• 2 min de lectura
• 2 min de lectura
The preparations for the Mediterranean Games have entered a new phase with the arrival of the cruise ship Aroya Manara in Taranto, Italy. The vessel docked at an Italian Navy base on Sunday, becoming the first of two cruise ships that will provide accommodation for athletes, officials and support personnel during the event.
Instead of constructing a conventional athletes' village, organizers have opted for a floating accommodation model. Aroya Manara will serve as the principal residence for delegations representing 26 countries from three continents, offering an alternative to the temporary residential facilities normally associated with major sporting competitions.
The ship, originally built as World Dream before joining Aroya Cruises, has more than 1,600 cabins and capacity for over 3,300 guests. During the Games, it will remain berthed within the naval base, placing the cruise vessel and its onboard facilities at the centre of the athletes' daily accommodation arrangements.
Aroya Manara is expected to be joined by Tallink's Romantika, scheduled to arrive the following day. Together, the two ships will form a floating village capable of accommodating thousands of participants throughout the competition.
The vessels' positioning within the naval base also gives the Mediterranean a direct role in the accommodation concept, with athletes living aboard cruise ships while travelling to sporting venues across Taranto for competition.
Local officials were present for Aroya Manara's arrival, including Alessia Maurelli, former captain of Italy's rhythmic gymnastics team and mayor of the Mediterranean Village, together with Mediterranean Games General Director Carlo Molfetta.
The Mediterranean Games are scheduled to open on August 21st at Taranto's renovated Iacovone Stadium. With Aroya Manara already in port and Romantika due to follow, the cruise-based accommodation operation is moving into its final preparation stage.
